It is often said that the real India still continues to live in its villages. Located at a distance of just 10 km from the popular hill station of Munnar, lies one such unique village, Devikulam. Devikulam is a serene hill town that gets its name from the conjunction of Devi, from the goddess Devi and kulam, meaning pond. Legend has it that goddess Sita Devi once bathed in the waters of the village’s lake, which went on to give the lake its present name, the Sita Devi Lake.
Even though the lake draws hordes of tourists, the town of Devikulam manages to retain its simplicity and is far away from the ghosts of tourism. Devikulam makes for an ideal getaway for travellers looking for peace and calm amongst the lush green tea plantations of the region. Less than a thousand people make up the entire population of this village that lies about 5,900 ft. above sea level. So if you’re looking for a relaxing offbeat getaway in God’s Own Country, Devikulam is where you should be heading to right away!
Why visit Devikulam
Even though visiting Devikulam should be all about unwinding and relaxing, there’s plenty to do in and around this tiny hamlet that will satisfy the curious travellers! Here’s some of the things you must do on your trip to Devikulam-
1. Take a dip in the holy waters of the Sita Devi Lake
The village’s prime attraction, the Sita Devi Lake holds great importance in Hindu religion, thus drawing thousands of devotees every year. The pilgrims believe that the waters of the lake have healing properties and a dip in the lake is said to be a therapeutic experience which can cure several ailments. The picturesque setting of the lake also makes it a great picnic spot.
2. Experience the wildlife at the Eravikulam National Park
Located at a distance of 22 km from Devikulam, the Eravikulam National Park is another exciting place one must visit in the region. The park was set up in 1978 to protect the endangered Nilgiri tahr and is spread across almost 100 sq. km. The park now also houses some of the rarest migratory birds, animals and reptiles.
3. Explore the tea gardens of Devikulam
Devikulam is best known for its majestic tea gardens, which also happen to be some of the oldest in the region. Some of the estates in the area even date back to the early 1900s! Visit these estates to learn all about the process of tea plantation and sip on some exotic varieties. These lush green estates produce some of the best teas in the world and a tour through them should definitely find a place in your itinerary.
4. Family bonding at the Blossom International Park
One of the hottest tourist spots in Munnar, the Blossom International Park promises a day of wholesome entertainment for people of all ages. The park boasts of several adventure activities such as cycling, rides and roller skating. The park’s tree houses and ropeways are bound to leave your children jumping with joy!
Cuisines on offer
Since Devikulam is not a traditional tourist spot, one can only find small, local eateries serving traditional Kairali cuisines here. However, food lovers can always head down to Munnar to explore some of the most authentic Kairali dishes. Vegetarians can dig into local specialities such as vegetable pachadi (raita), mezhukkupurattai or mixed vegetable stir fry, sambhar and rice and elaneer payasam or tender coconut kheer. On the other hand, non-vegetarians are always in for a delight, owing to patented delicacies of the region such as beef masala and fish in Kerala curry. Here are some local institutions you must visit for an unforgettable meal:
Getting to Devikulam
Here are the different ways you can reach Devikulam from New Delhi:
By Air: There are several daily flights starting ₹3,500 which connect Delhi to Cochin, the closest airport to Devikulam. Devikulam is about 120 km from the airport and it takes 4 hours in a cab to cover this distance.
By Train: The closest railway station to Devikulam is also Cochin. It takes about 40-48 hours to reach Cochin from Delhi on a train. Devikulam is another 4 hour drive from the railway station.
Accommodation
Devikulam has some accommodation options for travellers of varied budgets. Here are some of the best properties you can consider putting up in:
Greenwood Cottages
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